QANTAS and Samsung have launched a trial entertainment service that uses virtual reality to give customers a three dimensional experience in the air.

As part of the trial, Samsung Gear VR headsets will be available to customers in Sydney and Melbourne International first class lounges from mid-February, and first class cabins on select A380 flights between Australia and Los Angeles from mid-March.

Donning a headset will give Qantas customers 360 degree virtual reality vision of destinations such as Kakadu National Park in the Northern Territory, new Qantas products, and in-flight movies.

“Qantas will be the only airline to offer a virtual reality entertainment experience in-flight,” Qantas said in a news release.

The trial will run for three months to assess customer feedback on how the VR experience adds to the overall travel experience on long-haul flights.

Qantas spokesman Olivia Wirth said the technology would open up new lounge and in-flight entertainment for customers, as well as give Qantas a powerful way to preview destinations and experiences.

“Whether the user wants a virtual tour of our new Los Angeles First Lounge or experience an A380 landing from the tarmac, this technology gives us a completely new way to connect with our customers,” Mrs Wirth said.

“From an in-flight entertainment perspective, it’s an industry first. Qantas is committed to being at the forefront of innovation to give our passengers the very best and latest in-flight experiences, like accessing the virtual worlds of their favourite Hollywood blockbusters from the comfort of their seat 40,000 feet above the ground.